TONY Daws believes Scunthorpe United's next manager must have experience if the club are to progress.

The Iron's current caretaker boss, who was in the dugout for Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Ipswich Town, says someone who knows about being in charge in the Championship is a must if the Iron are to stand a chance of somehow staving off what seems to be becoming an inevitable slide back into League One.

"I feel managing a football club in the Championship, you need experience to do it," Daws told the Telegraph, when asked about what qualities the next United boss should have.

"I feel, with the position we're in and with the state of the game as it is at the moment in this country, we're not in a position where we can compete with bigger clubs.

"I think an experienced manager, that has been there and seen it before, would be the best option for us."

Daws has reaffirmed the stance he made when put in charge last week that his time as United boss will only be short-term.

He is unsure as to whether Saturday's game will be his only one at the helm, with a board meeting later this week likely to make the situation clearer.

"I don't know whether Saturday is going to be my only game in charge, that's the honest answer," said the club's head of youth.

"There's a meeting this week and I'm sure the board will consider all options.

"Maybe they may keep me in charge until the end of the season and give me eight or nine games. I don't know at the moment.

"Lots of people will be applying for the job but I'm sure they'll make the best decision in the interests of the football club.

"I've

enjoyed it (being in caretaker charge), it's been a good experience,

but I haven't applied for it because I don't feel at this stage that I'm

ready for the job."

Daws has been told that his position in

charge of the youth set-up at Glanford Park will not be in danger,

whoever takes over as United boss.

"I've spoken to the chairman and he has told me not to worry about my position," he added.

"I'm head of the youth department and that will be the case when the new man comes in.

"We've got a good youth academy and some good young lads coming through.

"I've been doing it for six years and it's something I think I'm reasonably good at and enjoy doing."